Zhang Hua (232-300) was a minister and scholar who rose from poverty to a high position in the Western Jin government in the 290s, but then fell victim to a political purge after a coup d’état. His Bowu zhi was a pioneering compendium of Chinese lore, reflecting his broad learning. The excerpt below shows clear influence from the Huainanzi (see source 4.1a) but also reflects newer knowledge about the physical features of the peoples of Central Asia (“the west”).

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The east lacks yang and is whence the sun and moon rise. Its mountains and valleys are clean, and its people are beautiful and good.

The west lacks yin and is where the sun and moon set. Its land is dark and gloomy, and its people have high noses, deep-set eyes, and hairy bodies.

The south has an extreme amount of yang. Its land is low-lying, and its water is shallow. Its people have large mouths and are arrogant.

The north has an extreme amount of yin. Its land is flat, and its water is deep. Its people have broad faces and short necks.

The center is divided into four parts. The wind and rain come together from all directions; the mountains are tall, and the valleys are deep. Its people are well-proportioned and dignified.